Moog Grandmother

Often gear and instruments feels and sounds magical when you research them then when you get them they don't live up to the expectations because you haven't mastered it yet. But in this case I can honestly say that this synth blew my mind straight away. It is one of my most used tools in the studio (work mostly with music for media). It is not the most versatile synth on the planet but for me I want instruments that inspire me and this instrument keep inspiring me. I love the sound, look, build quality, sequencer, arpeggiator, spring reverb and workflow. Most of the time I let it pass through several guitar pedals to get the sound I'm looking for. If you are after an analogue mono synth that you want to keep forever this is the one!

I was looking at either this or the Sub 37 (I actually ended up with both, but that's another story)

I loved the idea of having access to the old modular circuits because let's face it a big Moog modular will only be a dream for most of us.

The one thing that struck me about the grandmother is the immediacy and playability of the synth. Everything feels like it's where it should be and the keybed is so very nice to play. Dare I say one of my favourites. The build quality is top notch and comparing it to my old Moog Rogue in a similar form factor it's like night and day. The Rogue is cheap and plastic whereas the Grandmother is heavy, solid and feels like no expense has been spared. Two criticisms on the build, I would have like to see bigger toggle switches. Not a big problem though. I would have also liked an IEC power supply as opposed to a power brick with IEC connection. Not a big problem but I'd prefer a universal option that are easy to come by.

In terms of sound this thing sounds HUGE!!! It's that classic Moog sound in the lows and can soar when it wants too all passed through a butter filter. I'm mainly using it for basses so I'm getting lots of dirty sequences and arpeggios from it. The mixer past 12 is just gritty deliciousness.

In terms of features It's got all the ingredients a mono synth should have and they've even thrown in a spring reverb. I'm not one for mental modulation so happy enough with the LFO. Sequencer is great, easy to program and 256 notes!

I bought this and a Prophet Rev 2 at the same time and have barely touched the prophet. I can just get where I want to be so quickly with the grandmother but I also feel like it has depths that are as yet unexplored.

For me it's just beautiful. My favourite Moog I've owned so far.